Save Vs Splurge
While some of GLAMOUR.COM's favourite beauty buys ring in at only a few pounds (Vaseline tins and NIVEA hand cream to name a couple), we love a good treat every now and again. So in the spirit of splashing out, we've rounded up our best loved purse-friendly products and their budget-busting counterparts - to save or to splurge, you decide!
SAVE
Rose & Co. Sweet Vanilla Lip Salve, £5
Vanilla, honey, beeswax; this cheap ‘n’ cheerful tin packs all of our favourite ingredients into one deliciously scented, lip-saving salve.
<a href=http://www.rose-apothecary.co.uk target=_new> www.rose-apothecary.co.uk</a>
SPLURGE
Eve Lom Kiss Mix, £12.50
Eve Lom’s tiny pot of miracle balm might seem like a big investment – but when you consider it’s not only richly moisturising, but contains the natural sunscreen Zinc Oxide to protect against UV rays, and tingling menthol to plump your pout, it doesn’t seem like such a big splurge after all!
<a href=http://www.spacenk.co.uk target=_new>www.spacenk.co.uk</a>
SAVE
Dr. Bronner Magic Soap, £4.50
You might not have heard of Dr. Bronner’s magic soaps before, but these multi-purpose products have actually been around since the 1940s. The liquid formula has a staggering 18 uses, from in-shower scrubbing to a natural deodorant and even cleaning clothes.
<a href=http://www.victoriahealth.com target=_new>www.victoriahealth.com</a>
SPLURGE
Philosophy 3-in-1 Mimosa Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, £18
For a little shower time indulgence, try splashing out on one of Philosophy’s ultra foaming shampoo, shower wash and bubble bath bottle – our favourite is the cocktail-inspired, colour-popping Mimosa.
<a href=http://www.hqhair.com target=_new>www.hqhair.com</a>
SAVE
Marks & Spencer Lime Blossom & Bergamot Candle, £7.50
This refreshing candle is a snip at under a tenner – not only is it infused with a tangy lime and bergamot fragrance, but it will also burn for yonks, unlike cheaper types.
<a href=http://www.marksandspencer.com target=_new>www.marksandspencer.com</a>
SPLURGE
Jo Malone Lime Blossom Candle, £38
Once you’ve tried a Jo Malone candle, you won’t want to go back, despite the gasp-inducing price tags. With a range of sophisticatedly mouth-watering scents, the quality of these indulgent treats is so good that you don’t even have to burn them for the scent to fill a room.
<a href=http://www.jomalone.co.uk target=_new>www.jomalone.co.uk</a>
SAVE
Nails Inc Natural Nail File, £5
Don’t spend all your pocket money on professional standard basics: Nails Inc.’s range of manicure tools are used in all their salons and won’t break the bank. We love this natural nail file, and it’s very respectable price tag.
<a href=http://www.asos.com target=_new>www.asos.com</a>
SPLURGE
Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File, £10
A crisp ten pound note might be a lot to spend on a simple nail file, but for that price, this one comes with a lifetime guarantee. Not only that, this super-strong tool is actually gentler on nails than most standard files, and comes in its own fancy case.
<a href=http://www.debenhams.com target=_new>www.debenhams.com</a>
SAVE
Toni & Guy Mini Styler, £29.99
This newly released set of ceramic plate hair straighteners is fast earning a ‘don’t-leave-home-without-them’ status. It’s small enough to fit into any bag (making it perfect for fixing your ‘do on the go), comes in its own protective heat proof pouch and heats up to a very impressive 200 degrees - all for under £30.
<a href=http://www.argos.co.uk target=_new>www.argos.co.uk</a>
SPLURGE
Ghd IV Mini Styler, £110
Ghd’s mini straightener offering boasts all the features that have made it so popular – slick design, frizz-reducing ceramic plates, a rounded barrel for curls and flicks – but in a downsized version which is perfect for short ‘dos or travelling. Brand lovers just won’t be able to resist.
<a href=http://www.asos.com target=_new>www.asos.com</a>
SAVE
Soap & Glory Slimwear Slenderizing Body Balm, £8.81
Just because bikini season is over, doesn’t mean our fight against the dreaded orange-peel effect is. Pick up a bottle of this peptide-packed slimming formula next time you’re in Boots – it’ll reduce puffiness and smooth dimples, and you’ll still have change from a tenner.
<a href=http://www.boots.com target=_new>www.boots.com</a>
SPLURGE
Rodial Body Sculpture, £92.98
Time to pull out the credit card, ladies, because Rodial’s hip and thigh contouring gel costs a little (OK, a lot) more than your average beauty splurge. Nevertheless, the bio marine actives and wheat protein inside have been proven to firm, tone, tighten and reduce problem areas by one centimetre in only a month, making it well worth the splurge.
<a href=http://www.rodial.co.uk target=_new>www.rodial.co.uk</a>
SAVE
Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara, £14.99
Vibrating mascaras have been the big buzz (get it?) in mascaras this year, but there’s no need to bankrupt yourself to get in on the act. Maybelline’s budget version vibrates horizontally to separate lashes and make sure each one is coated from root to tip for a dramatic, clog-free finish.
<a href=http://www.boots.com target=_new>www.boots.com</a>
SPLURGE
Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara, £25.45
As the old adage goes, if you’re going to spend on one thing, make it the basics. Invest in this buzzing Prescriptives mascara for ultra-volume, curl and separation in seconds.Available from Selfridges.
SAVE
The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit, £9.75
A neat brow frames the face, and this Body Shop compact has everything needed to perfect a preened and polished look, including two tiny brushes and two shades of colour.
<a href=http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk target=_new>www.thebodyshop.co.uk</a>
SPLURGE
Benefit Smokin’ Eyes Brow Kit, £26.50
The clue to why we love this solve-all kit is in the title – it’s got everything you need to groom brows and achieve a sexy, smoky eyed look in one little box, from three contrasting shadow colours to a tiny black eye pencil, tweezers and two mini brushes.
<a href=http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk target=_new>www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk</a>
SAVE
The Sanctuary Zibu Dubula Salt Scrub, £9.99
A little bit of pampering doesn’t have to cost the same as a small car, as London spa The Sanctuary proves with this creamy, comforting natural salt and sugar scrub. It’s fragranced with warm spices and packed with Aloe Vera for a gentle way to buff away dry skin.
<a href=http://www.thesanctuary.co.uk target=_new>www.thesanctuary.co.uk</a>
SPLURGE
Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub, £34.26
This beauty classic has been a GLAMOUR.COM favourite for years, and though the price might seem steep, each jar actually lasts for ages. The sugar granules and creamy texture will leave skin polished and smelling fab.
<a href=http://www.spacenk.co.uk target=_new>www.spacenk.co.uk</a>
SAVE
Clinique Anti-Blemish Clear Blemish Gel, £12
Zap those pesky breakouts with Clinique’s quick drying gel – it’ll promote healing and calm the redness in just a couple of dabs.
<a href=http://www.clinique.co.uk target=_new>www.clinique.co.uk</a>
SPLURGE
M Lab Blemish Control Spot Treatment, £26
With 82% active ingredients, this little rollerball is one of the most convenient (and effective) spot treatments we GLAMOUR.COM girls have ever tried. Roll on to blemishes a couple of times a day and watch them swiftly reduce, without irritation or dryness.
Available from Harrods.
